Chapter Seventeen

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Tati Gabrielle as Katya

Scarlett Johansson as Alexa

"𝑆ℎ𝑒 𝑟𝑒𝑓𝑢𝑠𝑒𝑠 𝑡𝑜 𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑒 𝑡𝑜 𝑢𝑠．𝑆𝑜 𝑤𝑒 𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑒 𝑡𝑜 ℎ𝑒𝑟"

Severus stared at Athena. To most it would seem like he was staring off into space but his eyes were on her. She barely talked in his class anymore, except for the occasional small talk she would have with either Leanne or Neville. Athena would also keep her gaze down, still refusing to look at Severus. He understood though, there were many ways he could've handled their situation but he took the cowards way out.

He saw that Athena had gone back to her usual self after the Opal Necklace incident, but Severus couldn't deny that she also seemed a bit different. As he gazed at her, he remembered the conversation he had with Albus when term resumed two months ago. His heart twisted in his chest just thinking about it. And as they were entering the end of this term, he thought about how closer and closer things were slowly falling into place. But what troubles him more, aside from what Albus asked him to do, was Athena and how things are going to change.

They've already changed, you dunderheaded fool. He thought to himself.

A few rows down to Athena's left, Draco was sat at his desk writing away. He'd glance at the blond quite frequently, hoping deep down that she'd turn up and look at him. She wouldn't of course, Athena had sunken into herself during DADA so she didn't notice the two pairs of eyes staring at her.  But Severus noticed. For the last two months he'd noticed Draco's eyes on Athena, on his Athena. The man was still very much in love with her so he didn't like Draco staring at her longingly.

"Class dismissed. We will finish this assignment next class" he announced rather abruptly.

In truth, he dismissed class because he couldn't stand Draco's lingering eyes on Athena. It irked him to the very core. He pretended to look at an assignment that needed grading but his eyes remained on Athena as she packed up her belongings. Despite the visible bags under her eyes, she still looked like a goddess and he cursed himself for the way things ended between them. He indeed lost a good thing but was it possible to get them back?

"Miss Westenra, can I have a word?"

Athena sighs but she obliged and remains  where she stood. Severus flicked his wand making the door to shut closed. She eyed him as Severus got up to his feet and walked around his desk. They stand in silence for a bit before he breaks it.

"I love you. I know I have been...difficult-"

"Difficult? If you call lying to me, pushing me away difficult? I think you're going to need your head checked"

Severus sighed. He knows this wasn't going to be easy. And he didn't know what the outcome of this conversation would be, but he did want to talk to her. He wanted her to know that he still loves her no matter what.

"Athena. There are things that I cannot tell you. Things that I promised I wouldn't-"

She opened her mouth to argue but he held a hand up.

"Please, I need to say this" he told her gently.

Athena pursed her lips and motioned for him to continue.

"I told you once that you have all of me. And you do have, had all of me. But I need you to understand that I will do everything in my power to protect you- even if you feel you don't need protecting. You might not understand now. But I promise a moment in time will come where you are going to understand everything. This I can promise you. For now, I just need you to trust me"

"Severus, you are asking me to blindly trust you. And blinding trusting someone, never ends well. I-I should know because I've done things to targets- people that built their trust in me and in the end I stabbed them in the back. Perhaps in some twisted way I had this coming, even if I didn't have a choice-"

"It's not your fault for what they turned you into. And I will never blame you for any of it" he assured her.

She was conflicted and Severus knew it. He walked over to her, as always graceful with his steps. He stood in front of her and as a force of habit, he brushed her hair behind her ear. His fingers glided across her cheek as he did so.

"You promise to tell me in the right time?" She asked gazing into his obsidian eyes.

"I promise" he told her.

"Okay. I'll trust you, Severus" she said hoping she wouldn't regret it.

Severus smiled softly and wrapped his arms around her. She allowed herself to be engulfed in him, her shorter arms wrapped around his waist. The feeling of his hand gently brushing the back of her hair, comforted the anger that still swirled within her. She didn't know where they both stood at this point. They weren't together and she needed more time until she would make that decision.  She loves Severus still, being apart for months was agonizing. And despite his promise to tell her everything he had been hiding, wasn't going to make her stop continuing her investigation. She was going to find out the truth one way or another...

"'Mione, you're going to break my arm in half" Athena chuckled.

Hermione had been clutching Athena's arm for the last five minutes. She had mistaken it for her fork as she was discreetly glaring daggers at Ron and Lavender snogging for the hundredth time that hour.

"Oh. Sorry" Hermione apologized sheepishly.

Harry chuckled lightly at his friend but he also felt bad for Hermione. Both Harry and Athena knew how much she was suffering seeing Ron with someone else.

"So are you excited to graduate Thena?" Hermione asked.

Athena had forgotten that she was graduating that year. She had so many plans and things to look forward to when she was with Severus. But they were still broken up, and Athena didn't know if they were going to get back together anytime soon. It was something she really needed to think about. Realistically speaking, Athena knew she'd have to go back to the Sisterhood and that would add another difficulty in their relationship.

"I am actually. I mean, I'm happy that I won't have tons of assignments to do anymore. So I would have a lot of free time to hang out with you all"

"Wait. You're staying?" Harry asked ecstatically. 

Athena sighed. She was unsure of what the future holds. With the war looming over their heads and Sylvie gathering her forces, it was difficult for Athena to make decisions that she knew might not be possible to go forward with. She still had her mission and she was waiting for Harry to start questioning her again.  Athena promised herself she would tell him but right now she needed to get through these next few months.

"Yep. Once I graduate, I'm not going anywhere. Papa said I could live here for as long as I want. You can't get rid of me that easy" Athena said with a grin.

Hermione hugged her instantly and Harry was beaming. Athena smiled at him, but deep down she had a feeling that things are not going to turn out that way. Athena was about to take a sip of her pumpkin juice when she noticed a familiar face sitting at the Ravenclaw table dressed in Ravenclaw robes. No one seemed to notice the person but Athena did. She casually looked over to the Hufflepuff table and saw another familiar face. Turning around, Athena looked over to the Slytherin table and saw her another person that didn't belong in Hogwarts.

"I have to go to the library and drop off a couple of books. I'll see you guys later" Athena said getting up from the bench and made her way towards the doors.

Immediately as Athena stood up, the three people she recognized also stood and slowly walked after her. She saw Minerva walking in giving her a smile and Athena smiled at her in return. 

"Mama, wait ten seconds then close the doors" Athena told her godmother.

Minerva frowned but Athena didn't have enough time to explain. 

"Trust me" Athena told her and left the great hall followed after three girls. Professor McGonagall understood and signaled for the rest of the few Professors that were also having breakfast.

Athena made her way down the corridor and did her best to get ways ahead from the girls following behind her. She made a couple of turns until she reach the entrance to the clocktower courtyard. When she reached there, she saw Severus walking towards her.

"Make sure no one comes out here" she whispered to him.

He gave her a puzzled look noticing the calm yet worried look on her face.

"No time to explain. This is a matter of a security breach. Trust me. Make sure no one comes even near this area. I have this handled. Now go" she hissed quietly at him.

Severus now seemed alert and knew not to question her. Hesitantly, he walked out to the courtyard seeing the few students that were spending their free time there.

"Everyone inside, now!" Severus announced calmly.

The students didn't need to be told twice and scrambled into the castle. Snape's voice alone was enough to send them running away. He gave Athena one last look before leaving to do as she told him to do. Taking a deep breath, Athena stepped out into the courtyard and stopped in the middle of it. Seconds later, a group of about seven girls walked out into the courtyard.

"I take it this isn't a casual visit?" Athena asked giving the girls a sweet smile.

"Sylvie has waited enough. It's time to come home, Sister" Katya, one of the assassins told her.

"I am home" Athena stated simply.

"Have you forgotten about the vow we made to the Great Mother?" Katya asked her.

"Have you forgotten we were brainwashed and forced against our will to make that vow?" Athena shot right back.

Katya scoffed and glanced at Alexa, hoping she would be able to knock sense into Athena.

"We need you to come home. Voldemorts army is getting greater and we need you. We need our general back. Please, Athena" Alexa begged.

"She will label you as a traitor if you don't come back" Katya reminded.

Athena knew that would be too extreme for Sylvie to label her as a traitor. All Athena had done was follow Sylvie's orders and to complete her mission and now she wants her to pull back? It was unlike Sylvie, especially since she was so adamant that Athena kept close to Harry, knowing the boy who lived will lead her to Voldemort. This only proves that Sylvie doesn't want Athena finding out something- which in a way, it makes Athena into an unlikely threat.

"Then remind Sylvie that the real war is against Voldemort, not me"

Alexa sighed and shot a glance at Katya. They along with the rest of the girls were conflicted. But at the end of the day, orders were orders. Katya took out a short sword and the rest of the girls each took out their preferred weapons. They are skilled in both magic and weaponry but they were mostly accustomed to fighting without magic.

"I don't want to hurt you and you don't want to hurt me" Athena told them as she took out her own weapon and started taking a few steps back.

"You're not giving us much of a choice" Alexa said apologetically as she twirled her short spear.

Athena chuckled lightly, finding it amusing. She really had to hand it to Sylvie though. The woman was very persistent that she would do anything to have Athena, her prized fighter, back.

"I'm flattered that Sylvie has sent you all to take me down" Athena told the group.

Sylvie for a fact knows that sending one let alone two won't cut it. Athena was too skilled for that- so the woman hoped that seven against one would do the trick.  However it was a low blow on her part. It was also unfair.

"She knows you won't come quietly" Alexa sighed.

Despite being a lone wolf, Athena did manage to create a bond with a few of the girls. Alexa and Katya are one of the few, so she could see how difficult this was for them.

"We're really going to do this?" Athena asked even though she knew there was only one way out of it.

"We're sisters, we're bound to fight" Katya shrugged and lunged to grab her.

Athena backed away and swung her dagger at her. The other girls followed suit and a fight broke out. Athena laid non fatal blows at the girls, kicking a few away and dodging being sliced by another's blade. She threw a jab at Katya who ducked out of the way. Alexa kicked the back of Athena's knee causing her to lose her footing. She rolled on the ground then stood, simultaneously grabbing the shoulders of two girls and flipping them both to the ground in one smooth movement.

Severus and Minerva arrive and watch in bewilderment as the fight carried on. They watch as Athena expertly holds her own against the seven girls, occasionally getting punched herself but she recovers quickly. One of the girls takes out a whip and tries to get it wrapped around Athena. The blond bent backwards a little, preventing from being slashed by the whip. The assassin swings it again and Athena grabs it, pulls it towards her with force so the girl stumbles forward. Athena kicks the girl in the stomach while another girl kicks Athena's hand.

After losing her dagger, Athena takes out a baton and swings it at two girls. She hits one of them across the face with it before another girl wraps an arm around Athena's neck. Athena throws her head backwards hitting the girl in the face and kicks another girl who was running to help. Athena grabs the arm around her and flips the girl over her sending the assassin to the ground.

Alexa grabs Athena and puts her into a choke hold. Thinking quick on her part, Athena grabbed Alexa's arms, twists her body and flips herself so that she's now facing her and shoved her away.

The three second distraction allows for Katya to hit Athena on her side then kicked her with full force sending the blond flying backwards. Severus went to run towards Athena but Minerva stopped him.

The seven girls now surrounded Athena in a half circle. She got up, took out her wand then started shooting defensive spells at every girl. Another assassin swung a long spear at Athena. She was backed up against a pillar and the girl held the spear against Athena's neck. Athena grabbed the spear and broke it in half then used one of the pieces to smack the girl with it. Katya wrapped her hand over Athena's throat and pushed her against the wall. She grabbed Katya's hand, twisted her around and slammed her to the floor.

Alexa grabbed Athena by the back of her arms, another girl came running towards them and did a jump kick to Athena's stomach sending her flying backwards. She did a roll and stopped on her knees. Before
she could even react, a hard blow hit her across the face and she felt a pair of hands grab her by the shoulders.

"THATS ENOUGH!" A loud voice boomed.

Athena huffed and looked up seeing Severus walking towards them. His face was deep red with fury. She also noticed Harry, Ron, Hermione, Neville and Theo being held back by McGonagall.

"This is not your business, teacher" Katya sneered.

"Actually it is all of our business" Albus said storming into the courtyard.

"Lower your weapons" He said upon seeing all the swords, daggers and spears pointed at him. "NOW!" Albus shouted louder.

The female warriors looked to Athena- which everyone else found odd. They were attacking her and now were looking for her permission. Athena nodded and they all lowered their weapons.

"You infiltrate our security measures. You come into my school, you hide amongst my students and you attack my granddaughter who is also one of your own! I don't care who the hell you are but you have no right to be here much less attack anyone in this school"

"We have orders, old man. As I'm sure you are well aware, we don't tolerate rouge assassins. She's one of us and -"

"And she has been a loyal ally the entire time. As I'm sure she will continue to be a loyal ally. But I must ask who are you loyal to? Working for a woman who steals little girls from their homes and trains them to be killers, surely you must start to question where your loyalties lie" Albus told all the girls.

The warriors all looked to one another, Dumbledore's words sinking into them a little. Alexa looked down to the ground and then to Athena.

"We should kill you who are present for seeing this. The Sisterhood leaves no witnesses " Katya told him.

"But you won't. Because deep down, you know I'm right. I understand you have a war ready to fight against and so do we. We are all in this together. I think that perhaps your leader might agree to an understanding" Albus started to suggest.

Katya's eyes flickered over to Athena when Dumbledore said the word leader. She had a feeling that he wasn't talking about Sylvie, but she couldn't understand why.

"Aide us in this war and together we can help vanquish the Dark Lords army....no matter how long it will take. We are not your enemy. We all want the same thing"Albus explained.

Katya looked over to the other assassins and then to Alexa. The red haired warrior gave her a subtle nod.

"We will bring it to Sylvie. But you'll expect that she won't be happy about Athena remaining here"

"I'm sure you can convince her that an old old man needs his only granddaughter by his side" Dumbledore chuckled lightly.

Katya managed a small smile finding the schools headmaster to be a rather strange man. She motioned for Athena to be released and made a hand signal for the other girls to know that they were leaving.

"One of us will send word with Sylvie's decision. Until then, take care of yourself, Albus Dumbledore. I sense a darkness within these walls" Katya told him in a low voice, her eyes flickering over to Severus for a split second.

"I am well aware" he said before walking away towards Severus and Minerva.

Athena was helped up by Alexa who gave her an apologetic look. Athena rolled her eyes, not finding the fact that she and her sisters fought was such a big deal. But she did get away with less cuts and bruises than the other seven.

"Sylvie is keeping things from me. The answers I need are hidden here" Athena told Alexa and Katia in a hushed voice.

Alexa pursed her lips and even Katya seemed hesitant but thought that Athena should know.

"Voldemort. He is after you. You're no longer safe here Athena" Katya revealed.

Athena frowned. It wasn't any news to her. Since that night at the Ministry, it was revealed by Bellatrix and Voldemort himself that he was after her.

"Why is he after me"

"Sylvie didn't say. But we know he wants you. There's a special order out for your capture " Alexa explained.

"Well since there is a lack of answers, Harry will lead me to him. I'll ask Voldemort myself before I end him" Athena sneered.

Katya walked up to Athena, concern clear on her expression.

"You won't reconsider this?" Katya asked though she knew Athena's answer.

"I will finish this, wether I'm at your sides or not. I have a feeling that everyone here is going to need us. Wherever Harry is, Voldemort will be there. Tell that to Sylvie. She wants me to fight a war? I will, on my own terms, especially since I know she is keeping me out of a loop for something" Athena explained cooly.

Katya nodded her head knowing that once Athena set her mind to something, there was no changing it. Alexa understood also and knew that Athena was right- was Athena's mission and she always saw through with her mission.

"We'll send word with whatever we can find out. There are a few scouts in the area, so don't be surprised if one of us reach out to you. Be safe, Sestra" Katya told her placing her hand on Athena's shoulder before walking past her.

"June Thirteen Nineteen Forty Three" Alexa whispered to Athena before disappeared.

Athena frowned. She thought about what Alexa just told her and wondered what was so significant about that date. Letting out a heavy breath, she turned around and lightly limped towards the clock tower doors. Severus walked towards her quickly but Theo got to her first. He placed her arm around his shoulders and she supported herself on him.

"Oh my gosh Athena! Are you alright?!" Hermione cried.

"I'm better than how I left them" she joked. She admits that it was difficult to fight her sisters. They received the same training, so their combat fighting styles were very identical. The way they fought, the way they would think, it was all the same.

"Who were they Athena? Who are you really?" Harry asked.

Athena sighed. She couldn't keep this from them any longer. Even Theo gave her a nod telling her that it was time. 

"I think it's time we have a talk"

After Madam Pomfrey had given her healing potions for her bruises and cuts, Athena got to explaining everything. She started from the beginning and ended it with the events that happened an hour ago. She didn't tell them her mission of keeping an eye on Harry though.

"Blood hell, so I've been friends with an assassin this entire time!" Ron gasped.

"Shhh!" Theo shushed him.

"For Salazars sake Weasley. You want the whole bloody school to know?" Theo hissed.

Ron smiled sheepishly.

"I hope you all don't hate me" Athena mumbled.

"Of course not! Thena we love you and we are so sorry that you had to go through all that. You're still our friend and you will always be our friend" Hermione assured taking Athena by the hand.

"No matter what. We trust you. And I have a feeling we are all going to need you" Neville told her.

"Thanks guys. I love you lot" she said.

They talked for another few minutes before Madam Pomfrey told the group that Athena needed to rest. Before Harry could leave, the girl stopped him.

"There's something I need to tell you. And I don't know how you're going to take it but you deserve the truth" she told Harry.

Once they were alone. Athena told Harry everything about her mission. There was nothing she held back from him. It was very compromising of her to do so but she was tired of not being able to be honest with her friend.

"So this entire time you've just been watching my back? Protecting me?" Harry asked.

"Yeah. And not just because it's my mission, but because you are also my friend and I care a lot about you. Don't want you dying at the hands of a crazy wizard"

Harry laughed and hugged Athena. It wasn't the reaction she was expecting but was still fearful.

"I'm won't let you die for me though" Harry said in a stern tone.

She rolled her eyes, grabbed her pillow and smacked it over his head.

"Nonnegotiable. You copy?" She asked in her deep commander voice she used whenever she was on missions- as well as all the action movies she watched.

Harry rolled his eyes this time and ruffled her hair.

"You're a dork, you know that?"

Athena smiled happily.

"Yes. Yes I am"

Athena spent the last two days holed up in the library. She had been doing excessive research on the date that Alexa had given her. So far she found nothing of any use or that could give her any answers. In fact she didn't even know what she was looking for. She slammed another book closed earning a couple of looks from a few students. A few of their eyes lingered on her and she knew why.

"What!?" Athena shouted causing everyone who was staring at her to flinch and go back to their studying.

Madam Pince strolled over and pointed her finger at the door telling Athena to leave. The girl only rolled her eyes and left. Having nothing to do, Athena went to go pay a visit to Dumbledore, only to realize he wasn't in his office. Deciding to leave him a note, she grabbed a piece of parchment and started looking for a quill. Not being able to find one, she opened a drawer in his desk and saw a black journal with a hole in the middle. Being the curious one she was, she picked the journal up and images started flashing in her mind.

"Time of death" a man who was an auror asked.

"Between late afternoon and early evening" Dumbledore answered.

"Very well" the man sighed as he wrote his report. "Date of death. This day the Thirteenth of June, Nineteen Forty Three"

"And what was the girls name?" Another Auror asked.

Dumbledore sighed.

"Myrtle Warren"

The images stopped and Athena stumbled a little. She let out a shaky breath as her mind absorbed the information she just learned. She had heard about Moaning Myrtle but she had never met the ghost herself. Forgetting about the note she was going to leave her grandfather, Athena left the office and went over to the second floor girls bathrooms. It was quiet and thankfully empty. She walked in further and scanned the place for a ghostly figure.

"Myrtle? Myrtle Warren?" She called out.

"No one has called me by my full name in years" a childlike voice said from behind her.

Athena turned around and saw the ghostly girl floating in front of her. Strangely, Myrtle gasped upon seeing her and back way, seemingly in fear.

"What's wrong?" Athena asked.

"Y-You...you! But how? It's been years! And...oh no!" Myrtle gasps.

"What do you mean? Do you...know me?" Athena asked narrowing her eyes at the girl.

Myrtle was obviously shocked. She looked like a fish, opening and closing her mouth trying to form the words. The already pale ghost seemed to have gotten paler.

"You...you look just like her" Myrtle whispered.

"Like who?" Athena asked eagerly. She already knew the answer but she just needed a confirmation that she wasn't going insane herself.

"Diana" Myrtle said the name Athena had been thinking about.

Myrtle spent the next two hours telling Athena everything she needed to know. By the end of it, Athena was left speechless. A piece of the puzzle was put together and Athena's suspicions were rising. She now knew one of the reasons Voldemort was after her.

Athena didn't go to dinner that night. She stayed in her room thinking about everything she learned from it. To some it might be a small thing but to Athena it was something major. She knew without a doubt that Dumbledore knows what she knows. But the question is why didn't he tell her? As much as Athena wanted to go up to him and tell him she knows, she decided to play the Dumbledore card and keep the secret. Athena would confront him when the time was right...

𝚃𝚑𝚎 𝙽𝚎𝚡𝚝 𝙳𝚊𝚢

"Athena! Athena! Are you in there?!" Hermione's voice shouted at the door.

The girl had just tiredly slipped on her black uniform sweater when her friend started making the ruckus. Athena opened the door and was met with a frantic looking Hermione.

"It's Ronald! He's been poisoned!!" Hermione shrieked before Athena could even ask what was going on.

Both girls ran through the corridors on their way to the hospital wing. When they arrived , they saw that Harry and Ginny were already there. Harry began to explain to them what happened and Athena was horrified. First she and Katie get cursed and now Ron was almost poisoned to death.

Professor Dumbledore, Snape, McGonagall and Slughorn arrived shortly after Harry was done explaining. Athena kept her composure upon seeing her grandfather and turned her attention to her ginger haired friend who was still asleep.

"Quick thinking on your part, Harry, using a Bezoar"

"I think we agree. Potters actions were heroic. But the question is, why were they necessary?" Minerva asked.

"Why indeed" Albus agreed and walked over to Slughorn. "This appears to be a gift, Horace. You don't remember who gave you this bottle?" Dumbledore asked taking the bottle and smelled the top.

"By the way, it possess remarkable subtle hints of licorice and cherry, when not polluted with poison" Dumbledore explained and handed the bottle to Severus who also smelled it.

"Actually I had intended on giving it as a gift myself" Slughorn admitted.

"To whom, might I ask?" Albus asked.

"To you, headmaster"

Athena's head snapped to her grandfather. Everyone looked grim at the realization the at someone was indeed trying to take out the Hogwarts Headmaster.

"So this is a second attempt on his life?! Who. Is doing this?!" Athena asked the Professors. But they all remained quiet.

She glanced over to Severus who only gave her an apologetic look. She huffed in annoyance and squeezed Ron's hand.

"Where is he? Where is my Won Won? Has he been asking for me?" Lavender asked having ran into the room.

"Won won? Yeah Ron really Won Won the best award for having the worst girlfriend in the world" Athena snickered, even Severus tried to hide a smirk.

Lavender shot Athena a glare. She then noticed Hermione, who was sitting right at Ron's side. She scowled at the sight of her.

"What is she doing here?"

"I might ask you the same question" Hermione said standing up from her chair.

"I happen to be his girlfriend" Lavender reminded.

"Yes that's very unfortunate" Athena mumbled making Ginny snort.

"And I happen to be his...friend"

"Don't make me laugh. You haven't spoken in weeks. I suppose you want to make up with him now that he's suddenly all interesting"

"He's been poisoned, you daft dimbo. And for the record I've always found him interesting" Hermione shot at her.

"Yes, tell her 'Mione" Athena clapped her hand.

Ron started mumbling in his sleep catching everyone's attention.

"Ah, see? He's sensing my presence. Don't worry Won Won, I'm here, I'm here" Lavender said

Athena rolled her eyes at the girl and tried to make out what Ron was saying. He mumbled a little more until Hermione's name left his lips. Lavender gasped in realization before running away crying.

"Ronald you damn WONderful bastard!" Athena squealed in joy.

"Oh to be young and feel loves keen sting" Dumbledore said light heartedly motioning for everyone to leave.

"Ronnie! You can have all the drum sticks you want. I won't even fight you for it" Athena said to Ron's sleeping form and gently patting his foot...

For the most part, all was well in their little group. Ron and Lavender were officially broken up- though they didn't talk at all when Ron woke up. Still, Hermione was happy and had a new sense of hope blossoming within her. Harry was also relieved, he didn't quite like Lavender much either. Athena had been over the moon but she still fought Ron over a pile of waffles.

What made this particular day extra special for Athena was Katie. Her best friend was returning that late morning and she was so excited. Athena and Katie ran to each other once the brunette arrived.

"I'm so so happy you're okay! I missed you so much Katie!"

"I missed you too Thena!! Merlin, that was just awful what happened!" Katie cried.

"You don't know who it was, do you?" Athena asked her friend hoping she knew who cursed them.

Katie sighed, pursing her lips before shaking her head. She had been racking her brain for any clues but her memory was very hazy.

"I don't, I'm sorry Thee"

"Hey, it's okay. What matters is that you are okay" Athena told her.

They heard footsteps approaching and turned to see Theo running towards them. Katie's face brightened up at the sight of him. Theo came up and scooped her in her arms and crashed his lips on to hers. Athena melted at the sight and smiled happily at her two friends.

"I'll leave you two kids alone" Athena chuckled as she walked away to give them some time alone.

In the midst of the looming darkness, Katie had really put a light in Athena's mood. She felt like her head was above clouds as she strolled the corridors unaware of a certain Slytherin walking her way. He intentionally shoved her arm snapping her out of her daze, upon seeing his silver eyes she realized it was Draco.

"Watch where you're going" he snapped at her.

She scowled at him. It's been weeks since she's seen the platinum blond and that's because Athena had been ignoring him. She wasn't going to be like those pathetic girls that ran after a guy even after he told them to stay away from him. That's what irked Draco. He loved that Athena wasn't like Pansy or Astoria, but for a girl he cared for, Merlin he wished that Athena would return to her stubborn self and try to talk to him again.

"You bumped into me!" She shouted at him.

Draco scoffed and turned on his heel. Athena grabbed his hand and he stopped walking. She didn't know why she did it but she felt compelled to talk to him. Draco sighed but remained standing straight. He was dying inside but he didn't want her knowing that.

"Draco" her voice was soft, like fine silk. He liked how his name rolled off her tongue, and it's exactly why he bumped her shoulder in the first place.

"I told you to stay away from me. What part of that don't you understand?" He hissed and hated every part of it.

"I just miss talking to you. And I can tell that you're going through something. Just thought you changed your mind about not needing a friend"

He turned around and locked his eyes with hers. The girl standing before him was full of secrets, full of wonders. As much as he wanted to uncover a very bit of what lays under her surface, he knew he couldn't. He couldn't cross that line, not with her. Deep down, Draco knew he will only hurt her.

"Thanks for that pathetic offer. But I don't need a friend. I don't need anyone" he told her coldly, harshly pulling his hand away from hers.

Unbeknownst to them, Severus had seen the entire confrontation happen-  before he too walked back the way he came from. Severus knows why Draco is pushing Athena away, it's the same reason Severus had pushed her away in the first place. Pushing someone away was easier that way, than to string them along only to betray them to their face. At least with some distance, the blow of betrayal would be less but it didn't mean it wouldn't hurt.

Athena had a free period that second half of her morning and took refuge in an empty corridor. She sat at a window sill and admired the spring day. A certain kind of gloom still lingered however, and her senses told her that something bad was going to happen soon.

Things are going to change soon, Athena.

The familiar woman's voice said in her mind. She knew why the voice sounded familiar... it was her own voice, only with a hint of an ancient accent.

"How soon?" Athena asked to no one in particular.

Sooner than you think, child.

"Will I be able to stop it?"

When the time comes, you will stop it.

She shut her eyes and inhaled a deep breath before exhaling. Athena could feel it in her bones, everything was aligning. She admits that there were moments when she thought she wasn't going to be able to see her mission through. But after everything she uncovered, though a little, Athena knew that Hogwarts was the place to be.

It was now lunch time and she made her way to the great hall and joined Katie, Leanne, Cho and a few other girls they were friends with. They walked into the great hall, Athena and Katie arm in arm. Katie was gushing about how happy she was being back when Harry approached them.

"Katie. How are you?" Harry asked.

The girls sighed.

"I know you're going to ask, Harry. But I don't know who cursed us. I've been trying to remember, honestly...but, I just can't" Katie told him truthfully.

Harry smiled in understanding before he took note that Katie was staring at something behind him. Athena did as well and saw Draco standing on the same pathway they were on, he was a few feet away. Draco had a look of surprise upon seeing Katie and Athena together, a reminder of what he did. Athena watches as Draco turns around and walked away quickly. Harry takes off after him and Athena had a feeling things are going to get ugly.

"Katie, I'll be right back" she told her friend before going after Harry.

She didn't know where she was going so she followed her instincts. Athena found herself on the second floor and stopped in her tracks when she heard a crash and a loud scream coming from the bathroom.

Suddenly Moaning Myrtle flew out screaming murder and Athena ran into the bathroom. She stopped by Harry and gasped at the horrific sight before her. Draco was in the middle of a pool of water that was red with his blood.

"Harry what did you do!?" She shouted at him and dashed to Draco's side.

Draco's breathing was labored and he was losing blood fast. Athena dropped to her knees and gasped seeing the multiple cuts on his chest. She placed her hands on a particular nasty one that was pouring more blood than the others.

"Keep breathing Draco! Deep breaths! You're going to be fine" Athena told Draco as she sat him up a little, his head now resting on her lap.

His eyes gazed up at her. Sliver pools full of pain and regret. Draco thought he was dying and he wanted Athena to be the last thing he saw. Harry watched in horror at what he'd done and Snape walked in moments later, shock evident in his eyes. Feeling ashamed, Harry left the bathroom not being able to bear Draco's cries any longer.

"Stay awake. Okay? Stay awake for me" Athena told Draco who's eyes were dropping.

Severus walked over to them, watching as Athena frantically tried to stop the blood from pouring out of Draco's chest. The fear in her eyes were as clear as day- and for a moment he thought she might cry. Before he could cast the vulnera sanentur spell, he heard Athena speaking in a tongue he wasn't familiar with. It sounded Latin but he could also hear a hint of Greek.

"Hecate, I beg you. Please, help me" Athena shouted as she hovered her hands over Draco's chest.

A few seconds later, all the blood that was pooled around them started seeping back into Draco's wounds. Athena kept mumbling the ancient spell and Draco's breathing relaxed but he would still be weak. He became still in her arms but his chest was rising and falling steadily. Draco was going to be okay...

Athena walked into the common room feeling numb. Harry, who had his hands in his head looked up as did everybody else. They all gasped inaudibly seeing her hands, skirt, front of her sweater and the sleeves of her white shirt stained with Draco's blood. She looked like she came out of a horror movie.

"Athena, I can ex-" Harry started to say but she held her hand up.

"I can't...do this. Not now" Athena mumbled and went to her dorm. Seeing someone dying or on the brink of death would never be easy for her...especially if it's a friend.

As soon as she entered her room she went into the bathroom. She turned on the sink and started washing her hands. Her eyes stared as the blood swirled down the drain before she looked up. A gasp left her lips when she saw Voldemort standing in front of her. He smirked and stabbed her with a dagger. Her eyesight became blurry but as she focused again it was no longer Voldemort standing before her...it was Draco.

"Athena?" Katie's voice snapped her out of whatever the hell it was that she saw.

The brunette walked into the bathroom and gave Athena a worried look. Katie had been there to watch her heal Draco. She had gone to find Athena to make sure everything was okay when she saw a group of Professors and a few students gathered outside of the bathroom.

"Are you alright?" Katie asked worriedly.

"Harry almost killed him" Athena mumbled.

Katie sighed and handed Athena a towel.

"He shouldn't have done that. Even if he is suspicious of Draco, it doesn't give him the right to exact revenge" Katie explained.

Athena agreed. Nothing good ever comes out looking for revenge. But she had seen so much blood shed and seeing Draco dying struck a nerve to her.

"Revenge for what? I know Harry and Draco never got along, but attacking him like that? That's too far"

"Hermione told me that the reason why  Harry went after Draco, was because Harry's convinced that it was Draco that cursed us"

Athena raised her eyebrows. She wasn't expecting that. And she couldn't believe it either. Sure, Draco was rough around the edges, but he wasn't a killer. But if that were true that he did curse them... then that would make him the one trying to end her grandfathers life. Athena couldn't believe that it was possible. Draco was many many things but he wasn't a murderer...

Severus watched as Madam Pomfrey tended to Draco. It had been a day and a half and he hadn't woken up yet.  Madam Pomfrey told him that he would still need a few days to recover. Snape watched as she reapplied more dittany before putting a clean bandage over one of his wounds. He helped her slip on a new pajama shirt on Draco in order so she wouldn't see his dark mark. Once finished, Poppy walked away mumbling about getting more supplies.

The former potions Professor stared at the teen knowing how close he came to death...which meant Severus was also in danger of dying as well- because of the unbreakable vow. But Athena had unknowingly saved him by saving Draco and gosh did he know she was too good for this world.

Severus was about to leave when Draco woke up letting out a painful groan. His silver eyes noticing Severus standing there. It was evident that Draco was still in so much pain but he was fighting the sleeping concoction that was given to him.

"Ath- Athena...I ne-need...Ath..thena" Draco said painfully before falling back into unconsciousness again.

Athena had woken up extremely early that day. She's been having visions of the past nonstop now and she'd write them all down in a journal she keeps hidden. Athena hasn't told Dumbledore nor Severus about it and she wasn't going to either.

She glanced at Katie who was lightly snoring on Athena's bed. The two friends had been talking almost all night about the events that had happened the previous day. Katie had brought up some things that Athena was oblivious about but still refused to believe them.

Wandering aimlessly, Athena found a kind of beauty in the stillness this early in the morning. The sun rays streaming in from the large windows giving light to the semi dark corridors. She turned a corner and saw Severus walking towards her. His cloak billowing behind him. She gave him a smile and walked into his embrace. They had been slowly but surely getting along again... but there was still a wedge between them, because of all the secrecy around him.

"You weren't at dinner last night" he murmured into her hair.

"I wasn't hungry" she told him placing a soft kiss on his jaw.

They haven't shared an actual kiss yet. Athena decided that they take their time but there was a longing in both of their hearts for one another.

"I came to find you"

"Why?" She looked at him questioningly.

Severus clenched his jaw but relaxed a second later. He was trying not to be selfish because he knew that at the end of the day, Athena was his; perhaps not officially but she was still his heart.

"Malfoy asked for you. I came to get you to bring you to him" he said.

Athena followed him to the hospital wing. Draco was the only one there and she took a seat besides the bed he was in. She was astounded that Draco had asked for her after he himself told her to stay away from him. His bipolar behavior tended to give her whiplash.

She studied his face and saw how peaceful he seemed. He wasn't awake and she thought it was best that way. Athena wouldn't know what to expect from Draco if he was awake. Severus on the other hand was stood at the end of the bed watching the girl stare at Draco.

"He woke up early this morning and asked for you. Said he needed you" Severus broke the silence.

Athena smiled and rolled her eyes thinking why on earth would Draco ask for her, of all people? The guy was a puzzle himself and it seems that Athena was the only one willing to sort out the pieces. Perhaps it was because of her training in the Sisterhood- to sort out her targets, learn their weaknesses and strengths. Or perhaps because she saw Draco for who he really is and she cared.

"I doubt he does. He's too prideful for that. Maybe he's just loopy with all the painkillers Madam Pomfrey gave him" she said trying to rationalize.

Severus knew otherwise. He couldn't understand how Athena could be so oblivious.  For someone who notices a great deal of many things, she can't even detect when a person sees her more than just a simple term for friend.

"You mean something to him" Severus told her.

Athena looked up to him. Her tired green eyes boring into his dark ones. They were both tired but for different reasons. She let his words settle into her thoughts and recalled the conversation she had with Katie last night. If Severus knew that, then Athena knew that there was truth to what Katie said.

"And..." Severus said before sighing. "And I know he means something to you"

"Of course he does. He maybe an idiot at times but I still consider him a friend" Athena said- though there was uncertainty in her eyes.

Severus smiled a smile full of love and adoration. He held her chin with his fingers for a few moments. His eyes gazed into hers as if he was searching for something. Severus payed attention to every detail of her eyes until he found what he was looking for. It was there that he found it, a tiny spec...but it was there.

"You know that's not what I meant" he spoke softly before walking away.

She frowned and watched as Severus left. His words stirred something within her. Something a sort of realization that she still pushed away. Athena sat with Draco for a while, watching as his chest rises and falls. She wondered what was swirling in his head, what his thought process was. In the time that they got to know each other, Athena learned quite a lot about him. He didn't need to say much for her to know him, his eyes told a whole story.

Draco didn't wake up that day. Madam Pomfrey told her that it probably won't be another day until he did. Athena brushed his hair gently before walking towards the door. Astoria Greengrass walked in and shot her a glance. The younger girl stopped in her tracks and called Athena.

"Draco broke up with me a few weeks ago" Astoria told her.

"I'm sorry?" Athena said feeling uncomfortable.

Astoria looked like a kicked puppy. She was one of the many girls that Draco broke up with after he used them. Athena pitied the girl and couldn't understand why she was visiting Draco if he broke up with her.

"He talks a lot about you. From the day you came to Hogwarts, he'd always talk about you. He...adores you. And...and he didn't say it, but he broke up with me because of you" Astoria explained.

Athena glowered at her. She wasn't sure if she had heard her correctly. Draco Malfoy couldn't have possibly broken up with Astoria for her, The thought it self sounded ridiculous to Athena. And even if that were true, then why would he do that?

"What do you have that I don't?" Astoria asked, tears welling up in her eyes.

"That's something you have to discuss with him...when he wakes up" Athena told the girl in a monotone voice before going on her way.

Astorias words along with Severus's still lingered in her mind. As much as she didn't want to believe, she couldn't ignore the feeling swelling up in her chest. Athena needed confirmation, so she headed to the potions classroom. It was empty since class hasn't started yet so she walked over to the shelf and picked up a cauldron. She set it on the table and took the lid off. Taking a deep breath, she smelled Amortentia. Severus's familiar scent entered her nose and she relished in it. But before she could lift up her head, two new scents entered her nose. And she got her confirmation....

Hello loves! So this chapter ended up being a semi- filler and that's only cause I was saving the juiciest drama/craziness for next chapter! HBP is going to come to an end next chapter and it's going to be a roller coaster of secrets revealed, heartbreak and betrayal! Don't worry! I won't hold back on secrets for next chapter! 

We got to see in this chapter another fellow assassin from the Sisterhood, Katya, and this won't be the last time we see them!
What did you think of the fight?

Will the Sisterhood of Hecate join Hogwarts in the fight against Voldemort?

Severus and Athena are in a way back together but will they make it official?

And yes! It turns out that Diana is Athena! But it doesn't end there! But how is that possible? Any guesses?

Now we know a little about why Voldemort wants Athena. Wether to kill her or not is TBD.  But what do you think?

So Severus is aware of how Draco feels towards Athena. But could Athena possibly feel more for Draco than she lets on?

What did she smell from the  Amortentia Potion?

Let me know your thoughts and predictions! Please give this chapter a vote! And thank you for reading! Stay tuned for the next chapter!

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